The expert guide to the world of shaving

Chapter 4 | How to Shave
Shaving Techniques
Shaving with Mach 3, Fusion and Other
Cartridge Razors
Make sure you use an unused or relatively
new razor blade for the closest and least
painful shave.
• Start shaving from the top of the
beard, going with the direction of hair
growth or ‘grain’ to the edge of your
jaw-line in long, even strokes. This
is possible with this type of razor as
the head swivels with the contours
of your face (unlike a fixed head
safety razor)
• Shave under your chin and your neck
from the bottom of your neck upwards,
with the grain, to prevent razor burn
and ingrown hairs. You may find that
when shaving your chin you have to
shave across the grain
• You may wish to pull your skin gently
with your free hand for a closer shave
• To shave your upper lip, stretch it over
your front teeth to tighten the skin, and
shave downwards
• Feel with your fingers to find any
remaining stubble
• Re-lather your face
• This time using long gentle strokes and
keeping the skin semi-taut, carefully
shave against the grain. Do not apply
too much pressure with the razor
• Again, use your fingers to feel for
remaining stubble – repeat the process
if you have to, but always keep your
face lathered and your blade clean
• Rinse your face with warm water to
remove all traces of shaving cream
and bristles.
• Rinse and dry your razor
• Rinse your shaving brush and flick it
dry before hanging upside down in
its holder.
Safety Razor Shaving
• Always use a sharp blade
• Follow the steps above but shave in
short, light strokes of 25-35mm at a
time and shave at an angle of around
30° to the face. A safety razor doesn’t
have a head that swivels so you have
to adjust the shaving angle as you
shave to maintain the 30° angle
• Frequently swish your razor in warm
water to stop the blade from clogging up
• Best results are achieved with a safety
razor if you shave with the grain twice
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